Immune privilege
Immune Privilege
Immune privilege (/ɪˈmjuːn ˈprɪvɪlɪdʒ/) is a term used in immunology to describe certain sites of the body which are able to tolerate the introduction of antigen without eliciting an inflammatory immune response.
Etymology
The term "immune privilege" was first used in the mid-20th century. It is derived from the Latin words "immunis" meaning exempt and "privilegium" meaning a law pertaining to an individual.
Related Terms
- Antigen: A substance that induces an immune response in the body, especially the production of antibodies.
- Immunology: The branch of medicine and biology concerned with immunity.
- Inflammatory immune response: A reaction to injury or infection involving the cells and mechanisms of the immune system.
Immune Privileged Sites
Immune privileged sites include the eyes, brain, testes, and pregnant uterus. These sites can prevent an immune response, allowing foreign tissues to survive for extended periods of time. This is thought to be due to a combination of physical barriers, immune modulating molecules and immune cell populations.
Mechanism
The mechanism of immune privilege varies between different sites but generally involves a combination of anatomical barriers, immune suppression, and the induction of immune tolerance.
Clinical Significance
Understanding immune privilege has important implications for transplantation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer immunotherapy.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Immune privilege
- Wikipedia's article - Immune privilege
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